Called to Marriage

What are you waiting on the Lord for? How are you waiting? What is your attitude and posture toward God in delay? Thomas and I answer these questions for ourselves on this episode. We are waiting, hoping, and praying for another baby. Feel free to agree with us in prayer 🙏🏾 😊 but we are genuinely grateful to and content with God and all He has given us. Be encouraged, and may God’s PERFECT will be accomplished in all of our lives. FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Key Qualities to Look for in a Christian Marriage Partner In this episode hosts Marcia and Thomas discuss essential qualities to look for in a potential Christian marriage partner. They emphasize that choosing a spouse aligned with Christian values and beliefs is crucial for a harmonious and fulfilling marriage. The episode outlines seven key qualities, including being a Christian with shared biblical values, adaptability, selflessness, faithfulness, a vision for the future (especially for men), and respect (particularly important for women to have towards men). Marcia and Thomas illustrate the importance of these qualities through practical examples and biblical references, stressing that these traits contribute to a strong, unified marriage that reflects Christ's relationship with the church. They encourage listeners to seek and develop these qualities within themselves and in their potential partners. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction: The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner 02:07 The Foundation of Faith in Marriage 12:11 Adapting and Compromising: Key Qualities for a Successful Marriage 18:55 The Impact of Adaptability on Family Dynamics 23:50 The Importance of Self-Sacrifice in Marriage 25:34 Embracing the Mind of Christ for a Stronger Union 25:39 The Significance of Being a Believer in Marriage 28:13 Demonstrating Selflessness: A Key to Marital Success 31:18 The Role of Commitment and Faithfulness in Marriage 36:30 Seeking a Partner with Vision: Guidance for Women 39:22 Respecting Your Partner: A Foundation for Marriage 45:51 Concluding Thoughts on Marriage and God's Glory Summary of qualities to look for in a potential spouse: 1. Equally yoked (not just a professing Christian, but shared/biblical values) 2. Flexible/Adaptable 3. Self-sacrificing 4. Committed/Faithful Bonuses: *A man with a strong vision or devotedly seeking *A woman who respects and admires you FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

After a few lovely years in our last apartment, we have decided to move! Some would consider it a downgrade, but we consider it a great move for us in this season! God has prospered us, and we are trusting Him in our new place and in this new season! We are just sharing some life updates for testimony and posterity sake. FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Counsel is important for life in general, and especially when making one the the most important decisions of life, which is who to marry. On this episode, we discuss the value of counseling at every stage of a relationship, whether simply interested in someone, actually seeing someone, about to get married, or married for several years. The Bible said that in the multitude of counselors there is safety, so we conclude that it is wise to get counsel from family, godly friends, seminars, workshops, books, and so forth as you navigate your romantic relationship life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Lessons we’ve learned from Charlie 1. The activity of the flesh causes visceral reactions in us. We should apply grace but also discipline! (00:43) 2. We are made to be moving constantly! (9:06) 3. From a young age, we have the capacity for extreme focus and diligence (17:10) 4. We are born with courage that we should work to protect. Fear hinders you. (Release your inhibitions!) (22:00) 5. *bonus* Eating habits are learned. (24:55) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

We’re talking about the wisdom of the ancestors! NO, we aren’t talking about soliciting the voice of your dead ancestor through seance or mediums. We are talking about walking in the GOOD ancient path referred to in Jeremiah 6:16. We are talking about not forgetting the old, good ways of the past that societies sometimes lose value for as they advance in technological conveniences and modernize in culture. FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage CALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriage You can listen on several different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

It is good to make a frequent habit of appreciating your spouse. On this episode, we list the ways we help and add value to one another. Gratitude is good for the soul, and it helps your spouse feel joyful and fulfilled in their service to you. Try it! OUR WEBSITES: thomasandmarcia.com calledtomarriage.org FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

On this episode of CTM, we dig a little deeper into how we live on one income, particularly since having our son. The lifestyle is not for everyone at every time, but if you want it, there is a very good chance you could do it! Set your priorities and make decisions according to them. Most of all, align with your spouse! FOLLOW US FOR MORE CONTENT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Many families struggle to imagine how they could possibly live on one income, but on this episode of Called to Marriage, Thomas and Marcia offer encouragement to those who aspire to do so. They recount going from Marcia being the “primary breadwinner”, to both working for a short period, to neither working for an even shorter period, to finally Thomas being the sole provider. Everyone’s marriage and financial journey is different. Let’s seek to live by the Spirit, trusting God and resting in His promise to provide our needs. CALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriage You can listen on several different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Responsibility. Life calls for it, and most of the good things in life require it. Sometimes we are afraid of being responsible for anyone or anything other than ourselves. It feels very risky, but we must remember: with big risk comes big reward. We talk about all that and more on this episode of the Called to Marriage podcast. CALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriage You can listen on several different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

On this episode, we discuss the importance of going to church. We start out by naming some reasons folks give for not attending church, and then we break down our thoughts and finally try to summarize some reasons why people absolutely should go to church. In addition, we make mention of the fact that the way churches gather in different places and times varies greatly, so regardless of where or how you choose to do so, the main takeaway is that you need the body, and the body needs you. Stay connected, or begin to die! CALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriage You can listen on multiple platforms! FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Date night is OVERRATED! 😆 Honestly, date nights are wonderful, but in our opinion, not having regular date nights doesn’t mean your marriage is in the red! Date nights are a tool with an important sentiment behind them. That sentiment is vital to a healthy marriage, but the utility of date night in your relationship depends on your circumstances. Hear our thoughts and drop a comment adding your voice to the conversation! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Does a person’s sex life diminish and become boring and dry once he/she gets married? What can you expect your sex life to look like once you start your married life? On this episode of Called to Marriage, we discuss what we’ve discovered over the past four years concerning sex. The reality of sex within marriage is not as grim as it is sometimes portrayed to be! CALLED TO MARRIAGE PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/calledtomarriage Also available on Apple, Spotify, and other major podcast players FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calledtomarriage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calledtomarriage TikTok: tiktok.com/@calledtomarriage --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

I reflect on how when we look back to the past, we're able to make sense of many things that we were blind to.  One of the lessons I take away from this realization is that I need to be humble. I figured the more I grow, the more I'm able to recognize and sincerely appreciate the fact that I'm not as wise as I thought.   Someday, I may look back to myself at this very moment I'm typing these words and admit that I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn't - why not stay humble now?  Let me know what you think in the comments, thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

In-law relationships can be tough to navigate! On this episode, we draw out the good qualities that our in-laws have which others can adopt for the benefit of everyone. We also caution against some notoriously shady in-law behaviors! Finally, we thank God that in Him we find wisdom for every relationship and circumstance. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band; When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!’ -Job 38:8-11 Boundaries are very important. Even God sets boundaries. Why do we then have so much trouble drawing healthy and helpful boundaries for ourselves? On this episode, we muse on this topic - why boundaries are important, the consequences of not having them, and some areas where we ought to make boundaries for ourselves. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

What does it mean to have security in marriage? And what does it mean for a man to protect his wife? On this episode, we discuss the importance of having a level of commitment that endures even when your spouse isn't doing the right thing. We give some examples of things that cause insecurity in marriage and how commitment to God and our marriage causes us to be willing to work through things that threaten to destabilize it! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4   Have you ever realized something about yourself that you were oblivious to prior? On this episode, we discuss the insidious nature of self-centeredness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

What does it take to have a stay-at-home parent in the house? On this episode, we talk about establishing our values as parents and the associated costs and benefits that come with our decisions. We also declare our thanks to God and trust in God to help us carry out the vision for our family. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support

Oh give thanks unto the Lord, His mercy endures forever!  What was it like to experience the thing that many in this season dread? Having survived by the grace of God, we chronicle our experience with Covid-19. With words of encouragement from Scripture, we affirm that we will not fear, and we look to God for help and with a spirit of thanksgiving for His healing power and His love and care through others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/calledtomarriage/support